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Bobby Kim is finally ready: After more than four years away, the singer wants to move forward

June 08,2019

[STARCREW ENT]

Four years after a scandal forced him to go on an indefinite hiatus, R&B singer Bobby Kim is finally back on stage and performing for crowds.

Kim, whose real name is Kim Do-kyun, rose to stardom in 2004 following the success of his hit song “A Whale’s Dream.” For the next 10 years, Kim enjoyed a lucrative career as one of Korea’s most recognized R&B artists, even earning the nickname “the godfather of soul.” Things came to a sudden halt in January 2015, however, when Kim was fined 4 million won ($3,390) for creating a drunken disturbance on a plane after being incorrectly assigned to an economy class seat when he had booked a seat in business class.

Last month, Kim returned to the public eye with his new EP “Scarlette.” With his family’s support, Kim showed he was ready to pick up his career where he left it off, making TV appearances and planning concerts. This year is also Kim’s 25th year in the music industry.

The singer promises that he will make positive changes in his life this time around.

“I want to just humbly focus on music,” he told Ilgan Sports, an affiliate of the Korean JoongAng Daily, last month as he talked about his new album and his future plans as an artist. The following are edited excerpts from the interview.

Kim’s new EP “Scarlette” [STARCREW ENT]

Q. How have you been spending your time off?

A. For the first three years, I just stayed away from music. I needed time to organize my thoughts because I was very tired after working almost non-stop since “A Whale’s Dream.”

I spent my break on hobbies like exercising. I began hiking four years ago, hiking around five times a week. As I did it more frequently, people started recognizing me even though I didn’t have a moustache or dye my hair during that time. So I exercised at home. I only began working on music again last February.

Who persuaded you to go back to doing music?

My parents influenced me. They wanted me to pick it up again. I sang for my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary last January and they really liked it.

Why did it take you four years to come back?

I actually began receiving calls from here and there two years ago. TV shows would ask me “Don’t you think it’s time for you to return by now?” But my mind wasn’t ready. I wanted to return when I was.

I think I took a lot of time off because I was just so sorry. I am sorry for causing a fuss. And I am sorry for not acting maturely when the incident occurred.

Tell us more about your album “Scarlette.”

“Scarlette” is a name of a woman in my imagination, and I tried to express the progress of love with her through music. I included the steps of loving, separating, longing, hurting and resigning. The name “Scarlette” also seemed fitting with the album’s vintage and soulful color.

My past albums often dealt with life and other themes unrelated to love. I thought it would be refreshing for me and my listeners to sing only about love.

You worked with Tablo on the track “Till the End.” How did that come about?

I was looking for a musician who will be a good fit for “Till the End” and thought of Tablo. I actually reached out to him when Epik High was really busy with their Europe tour, but Tablo gave me his email address and told me to send him the song. He readily agreed to work on it together and I was thankful.

You recently appeared on MBC’s “King of Mask Singer.” How was the experience?

I actually thought that “King of Mask Singer” wasn’t a program that really suited me because people would immediately know who I was by just hearing my voice. I wondered whether I should alter my voice, but I decided to just sing as myself instead of pretending to be someone else.

As expected, a lot of people recognized me. One viewer even said it was possible to recognize me from the way I walked.

When I got on stage and the cameras started to roll, a lot of thoughts and memories passed by like pictures one by one. It was actually scary to be in the spotlight again after such a long time. But I got into the mood as I began singing.

I don’t have a voice that can win me first place in a competition. I don’t sing powerful high notes or have a wide vocal range. But, if I’m given the chance to appear on more shows, I want to enjoy the performance I put on.

Do you have plans for concerts?

I think there will be one around August. I prefer small, intimate concerts over big stages. I want to feel like I’m starting over again, and reduce the scale of performances compared to before. In the past, I did a lot of national tours, but now I just want to perform at smaller concerts where I can sing comfortably.

I really want to hold concerts. While I was away, I realized that I do like going on television and singing, but I’m really cut out for concerts. I want to go on stage and sing my songs live.

How about plans for marriage?

I don’t have any yet. My parents and relatives ask me that a lot. I’m not in a rush to get married, but I do think about how lovely it will be to have my own child. I really like children. If I do get married, I would want to have a child right away.

What do you want to tell your fans who have been waiting for your return?

Four and a half years must have been a long time for the fans. I always felt sorry I couldn’t make any promises regarding when I would return. I’m sorry for making them wait, and am thankful that they have.